The Use of Lexical Borrowings and their Lithuanian Equivalents in the Computer-Mediated Environment in Students’ Speech

Abstract

The paper aims to establish the differences between lexical borrowings and their Lithuanian equivalents, to introduce the concept of borrowing, what has been achieved in this field and to examine the challenges the learners face in using specific terminology in the computer-mediated environment. Different types of borrowings have been analysed according to the degree of their assimilation. The rate of occurrence of borrowings in students’ speech has been examined as well as the reasons for choosing borrowings rather than native words. The factors determining the degree of borrowings’ recognition are age, knowledge of foreign languages and the degree of assimilation of borrowings.